Cultural Considerations

Language

The official language of Belize is English. Spanish is the native tongue of nearly 40% of the population and is spoken by an additional 20% of the population as a second language.

There are also a number of indigenous languages including Creole, Garifuna, Mopan and Ketchi Mayan.

Food and Drink

Belize offers a diverse selection of cuisine. Restaurants serve Chinese, Latin American, Indian, Lebanese and local Creole food.

Bars are plentiful and local drinks include coconut rum mixed with pineapple juice. The local Belikin beer is worth sampling and comes in several varieties.

Social and Business Conventions

Dress is similar to other Western nations, depending on the formality of the occasion.

Formal wear - Long sleeve Guayabera or Long sleeve dress shirt with tie and dress slacks (Jackets/suits are rarely necessary). Business wear - Short sleeve Guayabera or short sleeve business shirt (no tie is required) and slacks

Casual wear - Polo shirts or Cotton shirts w/ slacks

Smoking is generally unrestricted.

Business Information

Office hours: 0800-1200 and 1300-1700 Monday to Thursday; 0800-1200 and 1300-1630 Friday (for government offices, 1700 for private sector).
Tipping: A service charge of 10% is usually included in hotel or restaurant bills. Porters approximately Bz$2 (US$1) per piece of luggage.

Gifts

Generally, Thank You gifts are acceptable, provided that their value is not excessive and that it is clearly stated as such and nothing more. It would be better to apply thank you gifts as a final parting to show that nothing else is expected for the gift rather than during your work schedule. But to be on the safe side please ask first, for departments, agencies and ministries have varying policies on this issue

Meetings/Appointments

Please do not be insulted or put off if meetings start late, as punctuality is treated with less reverence as in some other cultures.
Appointments should be made.